carrieinindy wrote:In regards to aspirin usage, I would give 5-10mg/# with a small meal and an H2 blocker (pepcid i.e. 30mg-for his weight- once to twice daily) to protect/prevent gastric irritation. If your vet finds that the hips are bothering him, he/she may recommend a "wash-out" period between changing types of NSAIDs. If that is the case, tramadol is a pain med that can help during this time frame. I think your idea of starting at the low end dosage is great until you can get in to see your vet. HTH!

Thank you for your insight.

Malli wrote:Please do make sure to tell the Vet that Truman has taken the Aspirin when you take him in.You could also try offering him a Heating Pad or hot water bottle(s for the pony!) to see if it helps for some temporary relief.

Mallika, I will definitely tell my Vet I gave him the buffered aspirin (half at 11 am and half at 2pm). Never thought of a heating pad.... Thanks!

I was out from 3-8 pm and he was a little bit more of himself. He wanted to go out and didn't cry when he got up from his bed. But Monday I will definitely be calling/seeing the Vet.

Morning update: He isn't growling when he gets up and walks with more of a bounce to his step. He did chose to sleep on the first floor and not come upstairs. I got very use to sleeping next to a 130 pound black guy.

Thanks, Missy. He is still choosing to stay on his dog bed (the twin mattress ) BUT he gets up without whining, he trots while leashed walked in the yard, he balances on 3 legs to pee, and seems more alert instead of grumpy. I see a lot of improvement.

I have my Vet on "standby" because to get Truman into his Rav4 he will need to extend himself and I don't want him to do that. I don't have a ramp for it, and honestly, don't have anything to make a temporary ramp OUT of. We never practiced ramp walking, either.